The Odisha administration seized more than 700 bags of paddy being illegally stored for smuggling into Chhattisgarh.
The raid was conducted at Sialalati village in Kandhamunta gram, under Jharbandh Panchayat of Sinapali block, Nuapada district.
Supply Officer Debendra Kumar Sethia led the operation after receiving intelligence about the illegal stockpile. During patrolling, he discovered hundreds of bags of paddy stacked in the area. When questioned, locals failed to provide satisfactory answers regarding ownership of the grain.
Officials confirmed that the paddy was being prepared for cross-border smuggling. Acting on a tip-off, the block administration intensified its vigilance and carried out the raid.
Revenue Inspector Arun Agrawal also reached the spot and initiated an investigation. The seized paddy has been handed over to a rice mill for safe custody.
Authorities revealed that traders from both states have been involved in such illegal operations, but the ownership of the seized stock remains unclear. The raid was conducted with the participation of supply officials and departmental staff.
